Lemon-Herb White Bean and Tuna Spread
This delightful Lemon-Herb White Bean and Tuna Spread is a perfect blend of creamy white beans, tender tuna, and aromatic herbs. It’s not just a dip; it’s a culinary experience that elevates your snack time, adding a splash of freshness to your table. The lemon zest and juice give it a bright, refreshing flavor, while garlic and herbs create a fragrant profile that complements a variety of crudités. Serve it with an assortment of fresh vegetables like crisp celery, crunchy carrots, vibrant broccoli, and juicy cherry tomatoes for an appealing and healthy appetizer that is sure to impress your guests or satisfy your snack cravings. This recipe hails from a renowned food column where simplicity meets gourmet taste, making it a go-to for casual gatherings or elegant soirées.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic
4 cloves (peeled and chopped)
White beans
1 can (15 1/2 ounces) (rinsed and drained)
Albacore tuna
1 can (6 ounces) (drained)
Lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon (grated (zest of 1 small lemon))
Lemon juice
3 teaspoons (freshly squeezed and strained)
Fresh thyme
1 teaspoon (leaves only (from about 8 sprigs))
Fresh rosemary
1/2 teaspoon (leaves only)
Coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon (or kosher salt)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (fresh ground, to taste)
Extra virgin olive oil
4 teaspoons
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling and chopping the garlic cloves. Place them in a food processor and pulse until finely minced.
2
Add the rinsed and drained white beans and the drained albacore tuna to the food processor with the garlic. Blend until the mixture is well combined but still slightly chunky for texture.
3
Incorporate the grated lemon zest, strained lemon juice, fresh thyme, fresh rosemary, coarse salt, and black pepper. Process again until everything is evenly mixed.
4
Gradually drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while the food processor is running. Continue to blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as necessary.
5
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lemon juice if desired.
6
Transfer the spread to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon-Herb White Bean and Tuna Spread?
It is a culinary blend of creamy white beans, tender tuna, and fresh herbs designed for snacking or entertaining.
What are the main ingredients in this spread?
The primary ingredients include white beans, albacore tuna, garlic, lemon, fresh thyme, and rosemary.
How many garlic cloves does the recipe require?
The recipe calls for 4 cloves of garlic, which should be peeled and chopped.
What type of tuna is recommended?
You should use one 6-ounce can of drained albacore tuna.
How should I prepare the white beans?
Use one 15 1/2 ounce can of white beans that have been rinsed and drained.
What fresh herbs are used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves and 1/2 teaspoon of fresh rosemary leaves.
How much lemon zest is needed?
You need 1/2 teaspoon of grated lemon zest, which is approximately the zest of one small lemon.
How much lemon juice should be added?
Add 3 teaspoons of freshly squeezed and strained lemon juice.
What kind of oil is used in the spread?
The recipe uses 4 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil.
What amount of salt is used?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of coarse salt or kosher salt.
Is black pepper included in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
How do I start making the spread?
Start by mincing the peeled and chopped garlic cloves in a food processor.
When do I add the beans and tuna?
Add them to the food processor after the garlic has been finely minced.
What texture should the mixture have initially?
It should be well combined but still slightly chunky to provide some texture.
When are the herbs and lemon zest added?
They are incorporated into the mixture after the beans and tuna have been blended.
How is the extra virgin olive oil incorporated?
Drizzle it in gradually while the food processor is still running.
What is the final texture of the spread?
The final mixture should be smooth and creamy.
Can I adjust the seasoning after blending?
Yes, you can taste it and add more salt or lemon juice to suit your preference.
How long should the spread be chilled before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes.
Why is it important to refrigerate the spread?
Refrigeration allows the various flavors to meld together effectively.
What fresh vegetables pair well with this spread?
Suggested vegetables include celery, carrots, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes.
Is this recipe suitable for appetizers?
Yes, it is described as a healthy and appealing appetizer perfect for impressing guests.
How much thyme do I need from sprigs?
You will need about 8 sprigs to get the required 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves.
Can I use kosher salt?
Yes, the recipe notes that kosher salt is a suitable alternative to coarse salt.
What equipment is needed for this recipe?
A food processor is used to mince, blend, and emulsify the ingredients.
Is this recipe considered gourmet?
The description states it is a gourmet taste that meets simplicity.
Can I serve this at elegant gatherings?
Yes, it is ideal for both casual gatherings and elegant soirées.
How many ingredients total are in the list?
There are 10 specific ingredients listed for this recipe.
Is the lemon juice strained?
Yes, the instructions specify using strained lemon juice.
Is this spread vegetarian?
While the tags mention vegetarian, it contains tuna, making it a pescatarian dish.